Summer is over. Let the Halloween hacks begin! This one, sent to us by David Fowler of uC Hobby, uses printer mechanics, a BASIC Stamp, and a Park Zone light (an ultrasonic proximity detector used for tight-space garage parking). It senses when someone is close to the front door and triggers a pumpkin to rise from the planter box on the porch.

Related:
We are sold out of the illustrated cover version of the MAKE Halloween issue in the Maker store. This version of the cover will be on newsstands on 9/4 so if you want that one that will be the place to get it.

However, we have the alternate cover version available for pre-order (get it here) and a collector’s two pack with both cover versions for a special price, you can pre-order the two pack or get the special edition – Link.

Gareth Branwyn is a freelancer writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor for Boing Boing and WINK Books. And he has a new best-of writing collection and “lazy man’s memoir,” called Borg Like Me.